Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-VEC'TIVE, n. [Fr. invective; Sp. invectiva; It. invettiva; from L. inveho. See Inveigh.]

A railing speech or expression; something uttered or written, intended to cast opprobrium, censure or reproach on another; a harsh or reproachful accusation. It differs from reproof, as the latter may come from a friend and be intended for the good of the person reproved; but invective proceeds from an enemy, and is intended to give pain or to injure. Encyc. It is followed by against. He uttered severe invectives against the unfortunate general.